WELLS — Delivery drivers and mechanics working out of a Shaw’s distribution center in Wells have voted to unionize.

According to union officials, 81 drivers and mechanics working for the popular supermarket chain voted to join Teamsters Local No. 340 in an organization election held March 1.

“The workers are seeking job security and disciplinary due process, in addition to a contract that will protect their wages, benefits and working conditions from the uncertainties of the corporate workplace,” a press release from the labor union states.

Teamsters Local Union No. 340 represents about 4,000 private and public sector workers in bargaining units across Maine, according to the organization’s website. Among them are a number of municipal employees, police, firefighters and freight workers.

Local 340 President and Business Agent Brett Miller said this was the second attempt by the Shaw’s delivery employees to organize a union, the last occurring some years ago — although he wasn’t sure exactly how far back.

“The employees wanted a voice in the workplace and thought the company was going to make some changes,” following the last attempt, he said. “But it turns out, they did not.”

Miller did not say what those apparently-promised changes were.

According to Miller, the union faced several roadblocks by the corporation and was forced to attend hearings before the National Labor Relations Board in order to trigger a representation election.

“We commend the men and women of Shaw’s for their bravery in standing up to the company to demand a fair contract with the guaranteed employee rights and wages they deserve,” he said in a release.

Representatives from Shaw’s in Wells could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Miller said the drivers were primarily concerned with seniority benefits, grievance procedures and disciplinary action. Following their vote, he said, the union’s next course of action will be to draft a contract.

“They specifically want their seniority. … and they wanted a grievance process that was fair and equitable,” he said. “The next step is to put proposals forward within the unit to decide as a unit what they want.”

The union’s formation follows a recent Teamster-negotiated contract for the Osco pharmacists working inside Shaw’s stores. 

Miller said he is hopeful Shaw’s and the newly-formed union will come to contract terms smoothly.

“I would hope that we’d have a good working relationship going forward and we look forward to that,” he said. “Hopefully this won’t dragged out.”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].